Senior Inventory Planner

We're transforming our Seafood inventory operations to enable sustainable growth and operational excellence. Join us in this exciting evolution as we set new standards for responsible and efficient seafood inventory management. In this dynamic environment, you'll thrive on ambiguity and drive positive change through innovative solutions. The Senior Inventory Planner will lead comprehensive inventory optimization across our seafood category, balancing fresh product availability with precise demand forecasting and supply planning. You'll orchestrate inventory flow through our complex distribution network, including multiple types of distribution channels, 3PL partnerships, fulfillment centers, retail locations and omnichannel. Success in this role requires adaptability and comfort with shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will support executing the inventory strategy for our Perishables department, optimize stock levels while maintaining product freshness, apply advance data analytics to enhance supply chain efficiency and ensure seamless product availability across all channels. Your dynamic skill set should include strong analytical capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex situations with confidence. Experience in leading through change and building collaborative relationships across multiple stakeholders is essential as we continue to evolve our operations. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of our seafood supply chain while developing and applying versatile skills in an ever-changing retail landscape.Position available in Austin, TX and currently on a 5-day in office model.

Responsibilities:

Inventory Management & Planning:

• Monitor, control and optimize inventory levels across regions for entire category and/or region assignment
• Own demand forecasting and supply planning excellence, orchestrating successful inventory management for promotional events, seasonal peaks, new product launches, exclusive brands, and store openings
• Champion continuous improvement of critical KPIs, including in-stock percentage, order fill-rate, on-time delivery metrics, inventory turnover ratio, and days of coverage targets
• Develop and execute comprehensive product lifecycle strategies, from launch through maturity, implementing data-driven inventory management approaches for each phase
• Leverage advanced data analysis techniques and SQL expertise to develop and maintain comprehensive inventory forecasting models and reporting systems
• Drive data-driven decision making through predictive analytics and systematic inventory control methods, utilizing both regular and ad-hoc analyses to optimize stock levels

Stakeholder Management:

• Works with distribution partners to streamline performance expectations, identify operational deficiencies and develop effective resolution strategies
• Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration across multiple business units including category merchants and product development, distribution and supply chain, field/store operations, in-stock, e-commerce, and Amazon Worldwide Grocery teams
• Drive strategic alignment among key stakeholders through data-driven insights, establishing clear performance expectations and developing solutions for complex supply/demand challenges
• Provide comprehensive data analysis to department leadership and supply chain stakeholders

Process Improvement:

• Drive operational excellence by identifying gaps and implementing strategic improvements across service quality, efficiency, and order management systems
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize supply & demand planning processes, ensuring best-in-class operations and streamlined procedures
• Support implementation of real-time tracking, analytics, and reporting systems to monitor distribution partner performance

Skills:

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of inventory management, merchandising, and retail operations, including deep understanding of market conditions, supplier logistics, and industry trends
• Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of organizational objectives, competitive landscape, and customer needs
• Expert in data analysis, SQL, and visualization tools with proven ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights
• Experience in process optimization and automation, implementing enhanced order management practices to maximize efficiency
• Skilled relationship builder with proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and manage diverse stakeholder relationships both internally and externally
• Excellence in diplomatic problem-solving and conflict resolution while maintaining strong business partnerships
• Thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments while managing multiple high-priority projects
• Demonstrates agility and innovation in driving continuous improvement initiatives and adapting to rapid change

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or related field
• 4-6 years of experience in retail, logistics, supply chain, or inventory planning
• Experience with SQL queries, including subqueries, aggregation, and data modification
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (complex data manipulation, automation)
• Enterprise-level database management (Teradata, Oracle), and/or adept at learning new tools and systems
• Experience with BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights
• Track record of process optimization and strategic problem-solving

• Statistical modeling and predictive analytics experience (preferred)
• APICS Certification or equivalent (preferred)

This position will require up to 5-10% travel and is located at the Store Support Office in Austin TX.

The wage range for this position is $77,111.00-$131,089.00 Annual, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire. For additional information, visit our Whole Foods Market Careers site: https://careers.wholefoodsmarket.com/benefits.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.